Shayla Kersten         

                        Because everyone deserves a little romance...

 

 

The Cost of Eternity

Ellora's Cave, Available Now in Ebook or Print!             

Eternity Series, Book One                                       Buy at EC Print Store

Length - Short novel                                                Buy at B&N.com 

For over two hundred years, the cost of eternity for Lorcan MacKenna has been unending loneliness. Territorial creatures of darkness, vampires can’t peacefully exist near each other. Human companions age and die, leaving him to face the long nights alone. After the death of his last lover, Lorcan vows to avoid the pain of loss. Until a down-and-out actor finds himself in danger and Lorcan can’t resist saving the blond young man.

Kevin St. James never expected to find himself offering sex for money especially not to men. A desperate need for quick cash, a dark alley, and things go terribly wrong. His dark rescuer brings out feelings hidden so deep, Kevin never realized they were there. Reveling in newfound sensations, Kevin welcomes his new lover.

But just as Lorcan has a secret so too does Kevin.


Excerpt 1:

“He’s sleeping again,” Tomas said as he encountered Lorcan in the hallway.

Lorcan followed the older man’s gaze as Tomas eyed his robe. Impatient to check on Kevin, he had risen quickly and hadn’t bothered to dress. “Did he eat?”

Tomas lifted the cover from the empty plate. “Quite well. I’m surprised he was able to finish it. He looks as if he hasn’t eaten much lately.”

Lorcan nodded. His gaze moved from the empty plate to linger on the door to Kevin’s room.

“I doubt he would hear you if you checked on him,” Tomas said, continuing toward the kitchen.

Lorcan smiled at his retreating back. Tomas could read him too easily. When he slowly opened the door, the light from the fireplace was more than enough for his unnatural eyesight. Closing the door, he moved on silent feet to the bed.

Sprawled on his back across the mattress, Kevin was oblivious to his watcher. Gentle snores punctuated his sleep while the covers, bunched at his waist, revealed his broad chest.

Lorcan’s hungry gaze roamed over the wide shoulders, the fair skin and the small rosy nipples before he pulled up the blanket. The room was warm enough, but it hid temptation.

Lorcan’s heightened sense of smell caught the fragrant traces of herbal shampoo. He couldn’t resist running his fingers through Kevin’s bright blond tresses, still damp from the shower. The scent transferred to Lorcan’s fingers. Bringing them to his lips, he feathered them over his mouth. A small groan escaped.

He wanted to bury his face in the young man’s hair, feel the strength of the hard body against him. The desire to mark Kevin, drink from him, taste him was powerful. The itch of his gums warned Lorcan he should leave. The need to feed was strong and looking at him made it worse. Lorcan forced himself to turn away.

“Hello…”

The whispered word took Lorcan by surprise. “I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He turned back. The deep blue eyes peering at him in the darkness sent a sharp tremor of desire through him.

“It’s okay. I need to thank you. I have a little money. For…for the food, the room…”

“You don’t need to pay me.” Lorcan knew he should excuse himself and leave but he couldn’t resist. Perching on the edge of the bed, he risked the temptation. “You don’t owe me anything.”

“You stopped them…”

If Lorcan’s hearing hadn’t been keen, he wouldn’t have heard the whispered words. “I couldn’t let them hurt you.”

“You could have been hurt, or worse.”

“Not likely. They were bullies and cowards. Confronted, their kind always scatter. I wish I could have kept you from being injured.”

“It could have…would have been worse, if you hadn’t.” Kevin bit his lip, a frown wrinkling his forehead. “I could…you know…” Kevin’s hand moved across the blankets to Lorcan’s thigh as the young man’s gaze darted toward Lorcan’s groin.

Lorcan’s fantasy of Kevin’s mouth wrapped around his dick flashed through his mind. Shuddering in the darkness, he hoped the young man wouldn’t be able to see it, feel it. He was desperate to take Kevin up on his offer but he shouldn’t.

Intending to push the hand away, his hand held Kevin’s instead. “It’s not necessary. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“And if I want to…” The voice trailed off. The darkness couldn’t hide the heat of the blush spreading across Kevin’s face and chest.

Lorcan couldn’t think of an answer. Rational thought was no longer possible. The touch of Kevin’s hand sent searing heat through his thigh, straight to his groin. His fingers tightened on Kevin’s as Lorcan’s breathing changed to panting. With his mind screaming warnings of past loss, he leaned toward Kevin, toward the full lips, the fragrant hair, the broad chest. The slight flare of desire in Kevin’s eyes was all he needed to drown out the dark memories for now.

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Excerpt 2:

Lorcan released his hold on Kevin’s hair to push the covers down, tracing the outside of Kevin’s thigh on the way back up. Rolling to his side, his hand tugged at Kevin’s leg until the younger man faced him, the slim, toned limb draped over Lorcan’s hip.

Kevin’s obvious arousal brushed against his own erection through the silk of Lorcan’s robe. His hand slid around to caress Kevin’s ass before pulling him hard against the length of his body. Their lips locked in hungry bliss. A gentle thrust of Kevin’s hips made Lorcan gasp.

“Oh yes…” Lorcan hadn’t had this in so long. Making love to someone instead of using them, lingering kisses instead of a means to a meal. His desire for Kevin’s mouth around his cock faded as the need to touch, to taste, to explore, the younger man overwhelmed him.

Lorcan’s fingers trailed across the sweet ass, feathered strokes lingering at the cleft of his cheeks. The younger man’s muscles tightened as Lorcan’s fingers slid along the tempting valley toward his puckered hole.

Kevin pressed hard into Lorcan, as if to avoid the searching fingers. A muffled moan of protest escaped the younger man’s throat, his lips stilling as Lorcan’s fingers found what they were seeking.

Lorcan teased with gentle strokes but didn’t try to penetrate. The memory of the young man’s fear in the alley stayed in the back of his mind. Long moments passed before the rigid body relaxed and the soft lips returned to life, matching the fervor of his own.

Trailing his fingers over Kevin’s tight ass and hip, Lorcan moved his hand between them. The younger man’s body arched as Lorcan grasped his cock. Hard and hot and everything Lorcan thought it would be, everything he wanted it to be. He stroked the searing flesh with long, steady movements as Kevin moaned into his kisses. Lorcan’s thumb slid over the tip, gathering the moisture pooling there, smearing it around the velvet crown.

Kevin’s body trembled and when Lorcan pushed him onto his back, Kevin didn’t hesitate. His face was a picture of wonder and desire. The full lips were swollen from kisses and the deep blue eyes glazed with a passion mirroring Lorcan’s own. The hint of trust there thrilled Lorcan almost as much as his desire.

Lorcan couldn’t stop his smile as he kissed his way down Kevin’s throat. The scent of the sweet crimson nectar pulsing through the vein teased him as his lips nibbled at the tender skin. As the younger man arched against his mouth, a rush of thirst threatened to consume him. His fangs itched to slide free of their sheaths, to sink into the pale flesh. He forced his mind, his body, not to react to his hunger. First, a different appetite demanded quenching. His hand moved down Kevin’s taut stomach to his swollen erection. The urge to taste his hot, leaking cock overwhelmed even the need for blood.

Moving past the lure of Kevin’s neck, Lorcan nibbled his way down the smooth chest until his tongue found an already hardened nipple. Kevin’s body arched up off the bed as Lorcan suckled the tiny nubbin of flesh. He stroked the hard shaft as he continued to torment the younger man’s chest. His own cock throbbed with need. Lorcan pressed his aching flesh against Kevin’s thigh, his leg hooking over the other man’s leg, rubbing against him.

“Oh God,” Kevin moaned as Lorcan moved to the other nipple. “I…I…”

“What, Kevin?” Lorcan asked between a lick and a nibble. “What do you want?”

“I should be doing… I should… I owe you…”

Lorcan moved back to Kevin’s lips. “You can’t possibly realize how much I want this.” He devoured Kevin’s mouth, kissing him hard and deep, relishing the rough stubble against his face.

Lorcan had almost forgotten the little things. Making love to a man after so many years of self-denial drove him almost to the edge of reason. Lifting his head to gaze into the liquid blue eyes, Lorcan murmured, “You don’t owe me but if you did, this is all the payment I need.”

Kevin’s hands pulled Lorcan’s head down, kissing him with bruising force.

Lorcan didn’t miss the hint of moisture in Kevin’s eyes right before their lips met. The vulnerability, the sadness in the younger man tugged at his heart. But Kevin’s frantic body against him, pushing his cock against Lorcan’s body, distracted him from further speculation.

Lorcan grinned against Kevin’s lips. “Slow down, Kevin. We have all night.”

The younger man’s body slowed its frenzied movement to small thrusts as Lorcan once again explored his lips. Slow, lazy exploration turned to hungry mouthing. As much as Lorcan wanted to maintain his hold on Kevin’s mouth, so much more was there to explore. In spite of his admonition to Kevin, Lorcan didn’t want to wait all night to taste the younger man. With nipping kisses, he pulled away, leaving Kevin panting for air.

Rising slowly to his knees, Lorcan opened his robe, the silk rustling with a liquid sound as it slid off the bed.

Lorcan admired the view in front of him. Kevin was beautiful. No other word fit so well. His shoulder-length blond hair spread across the pillow. His pale skin glowed golden in the soft firelight. The well-toned, almost hairless chest wasn’t overly muscled but enough to show he worked at it. The narrow waist drew Lorcan’s gaze to the soft blond hair starting below the navel and thickening as it trailed lower. The hard cock was impressive in size and girth, nicely veined and weeping with arousal.

It would be so easy to fall for him, drown in the pools of deep blue expectation staring back. A niggling thought warned him, reminding him of the sorrow of loss, but he brushed it aside.

Lorcan moved to kneel between the young man’s long legs. His hands skimmed across Kevin’s stomach and up to his chest. A gentle tweak to the tiny, hard nipples then his fingers traced back down to the narrow hips. One hand grasped the dripping cock and Lorcan leaned over.

His tongue dipped into the wet slit, tasting the bitter nectar pooled there. Kevin’s fingers twisted in the sheets as Lorcan suckled the velvet head. A strangled moan sounded as Lorcan swallowed the hard flesh to the base. He could taste a fresh gush of liquid as he moved back up to the crown.

“You taste so good,” Lorcan murmured.

Scooting down to lie nestled between Kevin’s thighs, Lorcan’s aching cock pushed into the mattress, seeking relief in the pressure. He laved the length of Kevin’s dick, mapping every vein, each contour of the hard shaft on the journey down until he reached the tight balls. Lorcan’s tongue prodded the sensitive sac before he sucked one into his mouth with gentle care, exploring the wrinkled texture and the musky taste.

One finger traced a path down to the perineum, pausing to massage it. Kevin writhed on the bed as Lorcan released the tightening sac and his tongue followed his finger. Lorcan paused to slip his index finger in his mouth to wet it. His tongue returned to prod Kevin’s sensitive spot as his finger found the tight puckered anus.

“No…”

Lorcan looked up to see fear in Kevin’s eyes. “I won’t hurt you.”

A rush of emotion flowed through him as Kevin’s terror faded to hesitant trust. His gaze stayed locked with Kevin’s as Lorcan pushed his finger slowly past the tight ring. His languid tongue moved up Kevin’s cock as his finger searched the tight, velvet-lined passage for the prostate. Lorcan grinned as Kevin’s eyes rolled back in his head. He’d found it.

“Oh God,” Kevin sighed as Lorcan swallowed the silken head once more. His finger pushed against the hard knot of Kevin’s prostate with the same rhythm Lorcan’s mouth moved on the overheated flesh. A fresh gush of bitter taste signaled his impending orgasm to Lorcan.

“Yes oh yes…” Kevin’s breathless moans forewarned him as well.

Frantic hips arched as Lorcan tasted the first spurt of thick, bitter fluid. His hand grasped the jerking flesh and milked it as his mouth moved to suck the inside of Kevin’s thigh. His eager fangs shot out and sank into the quivering flesh, into the large vein beneath the surface.

As the sweet taste of blood mingled with Kevin’s pungent juices on his tongue, Lorcan’s own orgasm erupted into the bedding. He drank deeply of the sweet crimson elixir as his moans mingled with Kevin’s. The rush of orgasm and blood overwhelmed him until the rapid cooling of Kevin’s body caused his over-eager fangs to retract in fear.

“Damn,” Lorcan muttered, rolling off the bed. He pulled the covers up over Kevin’s now unconscious body. “Tomas!”

Lorcan stalked to the door, heedless of his nakedness. Yanking it open, he yelled again. “Tomas!”

The older man moved with a speed that belied his age.

“I drank too much. We’ve got to keep him from going into shock.”

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Reviews!

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Isn't Romantic Blog

What Elisa said:

I like the characters of Shayla Kersten; like in Thirty Days we have a lover more caring and protective of the other, but the feelings of love are mutual. What I like best is that Lorcan is not so special: he is a real person (apart the fact he is a vampire!!!) not so beautiful, not so overwhelming... very normal, but the love makes him invincible at the eyes of Kevin. He is his dark savior.

A really unusual vampire romance where you can find more sentiment and romanticism than paranormal element. A sweet Valentine's reading.

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Romance Junkies

Blue Ribbon Rating: 5

Reviewer: Natasha

Excerpt of Review:

THE COST OF ETERNITY by new author Shayla Kersten was emphatically one heck of a book. Totally absorbed, I didn’t put it down until I finished with it. I laughed, I cried, and I raged at the antagonists. I can’t imagine having to make a decision like Kevin had to make. I loved him for his naiveté and I adored Lorcan for his loyalty.

While homoerotic love stories are not for everyone, I found myself forgetting that one small fact and concentrating on the plot. I was blown away by the emotions of the characters and the love they shared. THE COST OF ETERNITY is the second book I have read by Shayla Kersten and, all in all, it was a thoroughly gratifying read. I can’t wait to see what else this wonderful new author releases!

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The Romance Studio

Rating: 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Anita

Excerpt of Review:

Incredibly sexy, The Cost of Eternity is an exciting paranormal romance that will delight the readers with its heated romance and thrilling danger. Readers quickly find themselves attached to these two emotionally vulnerable characters. Their creatively written, fast paced story will keep the readers captivated until the very end.

The chemistry between Lorcan and Kevin is unbelievable from the very beginning. Their interactions will leave the readers breathing hard with their pulses racing. Hot, steamy and delightfully easy to imagine, they share a romance that burns with the heat of their passion. Readers will not be disappointed as these two gorgeous guys find love and understanding in each others arms.

When they find themselves facing danger the action really begins. Anxiety builds as someone tries to separate Lorcan and Kevin permanently. What will happen to their relationship as they find their very lives threatened? Readers will not be able to set this one aside until all is resolved. The Cost of Eternity by Shayla Kersten is a romance readers are sure to enjoy.

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Readers Views

Reviewer: Paige Lovitt

Excerpt of Review:

This is a really good, sensual, love story. The vampire elements add an extra touch to a good dramatic plot. Kevin’s tortured past and coming to terms with his sexuality offer additional elements to the story that make it hard to put down. Fans of homosexual, erotica and vampire stories will enjoy “The Cost of Eternity.”

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Love Romances and More

Rating: 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Danny

Excerpt of Review:

Ms. Kersten is really a Master of emotional stories that are completely spellbinding and which keep her readers glued to the pages. The readers can’t help but to fall in love with her heroes. Ms. Kersten books are really addictive and this reviewer can hardly wait to read more of her books.

If you love hot M/M Vampire tales you don’t want to miss this keeper! It’s one of the best that this reviewer has read in awhile. Ms. Kersten is an author you definitely want to keep an eye on!

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Fallen Angels

Rating: 5 Angels

Reviewer: Teresa

Excerpt of Review:

Ms. Kersten has once again created a story that is compelling for the reader. The Cost of Eternity is a mixture of erotic scenes with suspense and drama that ensnares the reader until the final word. Watching the birth and growth of the relationship between Lorcan and Kevin is very poignant. Lorcan and Kevin are the missing pieces in each others lives that before now were never completely filled. Lorcan has had relationships in the past, but Kevin’s openness and giving attitude gives him a love he has never found in all the centuries of his life. Kevin never knew what he needed until he met the man of his dreams. Thanks goes to Ms. Kersten for such a wonderful book.

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Ecataromamce

Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality Rating: Sizzling

Reviewer: Elise Lyn

Excerpt of Review:

With undertones of sadness, The Cost of Eternity is telling us that love is fleeting. Will this be true for Lorcan and Kevin? You will have to read The Cost of Eternity to find out. Shayla Kersten’s talent as a writer shines though with this bitter sweet story. We can expect more great tales from her in the future.

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Just Erotic Romances

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Heat Level: O

Reviewer: Marcy Arbitman

Review:

For over two centuries vampire Lorcan MacKenna has been alone. After his last lover died, he decided that he had had enough; the cost of being close to someone was too painful. Hating to kill, Lorcan arranged for call girls to have sex with him and then took just enough blood from them. He did not get as easily attached to women because he preferred men. Kevin St. James was a down and out actor who had hit bottom. As he was about to be raped one night, Lorcan rescued Kevin and brought him home to safety.

The Cost Of Eternity was a beautifully written story of love and family difficulties. Lorcan was a sad and lonely man. I found both men to be wonderful, loving and expressed their love for each other throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about their times together and they pulled me right into their story. The two men had amazing sex. I was thoroughly involved with their lives, sexual and otherwise. The story has elements of suspense that brought in several secondary characters. These characters were equally well described. I thought that the plot was seamless, with unexpected twists that encouraged me to continue reading without a break. The plot twists were amazing and fascinating; twists that gave me scary feelings about what would happen to Kevin and Lorcan. I was invested in their lives. The finale was astounding and a wonderful ending to a wonderful book. I highly recommend this story whether or not you like vampires, it was beautifully written.

This review is archived on the JERR Yahoo Group Newsletter #104.

 


Two Lips Reviews

Rating: 4.5 Kisses

Heat Level: 1.5 Peppers

Reviewer: Kerin

Excerpt of Review:

While reading Cost of Eternity, my emotions were all over the place. Kevin had an unstable upbringing but I’m not usually one who’ll sympathize with the angst of being an unemployed actor. He proved to have much worse issues, which Shayla Kersten used to win my sympathy for his character and I’ll have to say she did it beautifully. In the beginning, I also didn’t understand Lorcan’s deep attraction to Kevin above maybe just his need to be needed but as Kevin’s character developed more depth, I began to see what Lorcan saw in him. The surprise ending left with me lots of questions that I hope a sequel will answer.

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